LidAwake is a native macOS utility designed for users who need to keep their Mac awake even when the lid is closed. This lightweight application can be easily accessed from the menu bar, providing an intuitive toggle to maintain an active status for tasks such as code builds, server runs, or media playback.

Key Features

• One-Click Toggle: A distinctive coffee cup icon indicates the application’s status. An outlined cup denotes normal sleep mode, while a filled cup signifies that the Mac will continue running with the lid closed.

• Brightness Memory: LidAwake remembers your current display brightness when the lid is closed, reducing it to zero. Upon reopening, the brightness is automatically restored to the exact level you had before.

• Real-Time Feedback: The application reliably reflects the actual system status in the menu bar, ensuring accurate information even when changes are made via the terminal.

• Login at Startup: Automatically starts with macOS, allowing seamless operation without additional user input.

• Native and Efficient: Built using AppKit and SF Symbols, LidAwake runs efficiently, consuming only a small amount of RAM and adapting seamlessly to both light and dark modes.

• Event Logging: All lid and brightness events are recorded in ~/Library/Logs/LidAwake.log, providing a detailed audit trail for users.

How It Works

LidAwake utilizes Apple's official power-management flag pmset disablesleep to prevent the Mac from sleeping while the lid is closed, executed via a simple sudoers rule for streamlined functionality. The app continuously polls the system to detect lid transitions, ensuring reliable behavior without relying on unsupported methods.

FAQs

• Is using LidAwake safe? Yes, it utilizes official power management features, and the functionality can be reversed simply by toggling it off.
• Can it break with macOS updates? While the sleep toggle should remain effective, future updates to the private brightness feature may impact its functionality.
• Why is there no Dock icon? By design, LidAwake operates as a menu bar tool, maintaining a clean dock experience and limiting to purely necessary interactions from the menu bar.

LidAwake is perfect for developers, musicians, and anyone who requires constant Mac availability without the hassle of additional third-party applications or complex commands. For further details or to explore the source code, visit the LidAwake website. Effortlessly keep your Mac awake while achieving your productivity goals.